Airing it Out - The Passing Game

Several elements determine a pass play’s success: using the appropriate personnel, play selection, reading the coverage, and actually throwing the pass. Fielding the best personnel is the first step. Check player ratings to see, essentially, who’s hot and who’s not--who’s maintaining their composure in this big game and who’s rattled by a couple dropped passes. Adjust your depth chart to insert a new receiver into the game or use packages to shift receivers around to exploit match-ups.

Predictable play calling will put your offense at a disadvantage. Don’t always run from 2 WR, 2 RB, 1 TE sets or always pass from 4 WR, 1 RB sets. Some of your biggest gains could come from formations where the defense expected a run and some of your biggest mistakes could come from formations where the defense expected a pass and you gave it to them! Mix up your play calling!

Follow a few strong run plays with a play-action pass (these plays include "PA" at the beginning of the name). These plays simulate a run but are actually pass plays. The simulated run could cause defenders to bite on the run play and lose their assignments. Even a slight defensive mistake can be enough to complete a big play. Play action passes are susceptible to blitzes and strong defensive lines; the play action "fake" can be slow giving blitzing defenders time to reach your quarterback.

Select pass plays that provide a "check down" option in case all of your primary downfield targets are covered. For instance, plays in which a running back scampers to the flat or a tight end runs a short hitch over the middle. Don’t force passes into heavy coverage; don’t forget you can toss the ball away if there’s no one open!

Watch the movements of the linebackers and safeties to help find the open receiver.

At the snap of the ball, glance at the linebackers and safeties to see their movements. How these positions move can indicate which of your receivers will be the best downfield option. For instance, perhaps the safety is coming in on a blitz, which would leave the receiver on that side in single coverage against the corner. Or you have a slant called and the linebackers on that side blitz leaving a hole in that area.

Defender reactions can also indicate man-to-man or zone defense situations. If the linebacker moves toward the flat, he’s in zone coverage; if the linebacker plays a receiver straight up, he’s in zone. If a safety backpedals at the snap, he’s in zone. The best pass plays against man coverage are generally fly routes and crossing patterns where a faster receiver has a chance to outrun a slower defender. Against zone, post patterns (where the receiver can get in front of a safety in zone coverage) and deep out patterns (between the corner and safety zone) can both be effective.

After reading the coverage, it’s time to determine where to throw the ball. Receivers matched in single-coverage are always a better option. The odds of completing the pass are much greater when a receiver is matched up against a single defender.

Also consider the passing lane: the space between your quarterback and the receiver. In zone defenses, a defender could occupy that lane between the quarterback and receiver. Firing a pass through that lane could be easily tipped or intercepted.

Your receiver’s position in relation to the defender is also important. For example, you’ve called a WR Post play. The primary receiver on the left side runs a post pattern toward the middle of the field. The defense is in a 4-3 and appears to be a man-to-man with the corners and zone with the safeties. At the snap of the ball, the safety backpedals. You now have single coverage with the outside receiver until he reaches the safety’s zone. Time your pass when the WR cuts toward the post. He’ll be to the corner’s inside, toward the quarterback, but before he reaches the safety’s zone.

Pass strength also plays a role in a successful passing game. Throwing bullet pass after bullet pass will not be effective. Receivers seem to have a tougher time catching a bullet pass, even when wide open. Bullet passes fly lower than lobs, which could allow any defender occupying the passing lane to score an easy interception.

Bullet passes are best used on hitch, comeback, or quick slant patterns or when you need to hit a receiver before he reaches a defender’s zone. A soft lob (a quick tap of the pass button) is best used on fly patterns, particularly when your receiver is in single-coverage and has speed and jump advantage over the corner. The "medium" lob, which is a slightly longer press of the pass button, is a typical throw for most routes. It’s usually enough to get over defenders in the passing lane and can be used for out patterns and crossing routes.

Your quarterback is generally much more accurate when throwing from a stance rather than on the run. Nonetheless, NCAA Football 06 enhances the roll out pass play. You can scramble outside and keep the pass icons active. If you do roll out, attempt to come to a stop before tossing the pass to increase accuracy. Also, don’t back pedal and toss a pass or it gets launched high in the area and becomes an extremely inviting interception target for defenders.

The final stage is actually catching the ball. A lot of players feel there are a large amount of drops in EA football games. Most players tweak the A.I. sliders a bit to improve human and CPU catching to compensate. NCAA 06 has improved this aspect, but drops still happen from time to time at the default settings. Primarily, though, you should practice user catching. Upon throwing the ball to the receiver, switch to the player closest to the ball to select the intended receiver. Maneuver him into the path of the pass and hit the catch button. Practice coming back toward the pass and away from the defender. Also, if the pass looks a bit overthrown, try diving for the ball.

Top Ten Rated Quarterbacks

The following chart reveals NCAA Football 06’s top ten quarterbacks sorted by overall rating. The chart also lists important quarterback stats: speed, awareness, throw power, and throw accuracy.

Top Ten Rated Wide Receivers

The following chart reveals NCAA Football 06’s top ten wide receivers sorted by overall rating. The chart also lists important wide receiver stats: speed, awareness, catch ability, and jump ability.

Top Ten Rated Tight Ends

The following chart reveals NCAA Football 06’s top ten tight ends sorted by overall rating. The chart also lists important tight end stats: speed, awareness, catch ability, and jump ability.